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training of geodetic engineers. In the Technische Hogeschool in general the
result is, that not more than about 60% of the students qualify for the
"ingenieur" degree. For geodesy, still a young department, this percentage
is considerably higher. The reason may be found for instance in the relatively
small number of students, which makes possible more intensive contacts
between student and teacher than other departments can afford. Even so,
these other departments do not intend to introduce "classroom" procedures
which might perhaps help to improve the 60% output rate. Advantages
of the freedom accorded to the student are believed to outweigh its dis
advantages. Studying should be more than developing specialized knowledge
and skills; the student should be offered opportunities and facilities to
engage on subjects and problems outside his specific professional interests.
One such opportunity is found in optional classes in philosophy conducted
by three guest professors, of different backgrounds. Lectures are also
organized in which members of the various universities of the country
give a general picture of their subjects, selected from a wide range covering
the arts as well as the whole field of science.
Number of students
The number of geodesy students at present is about 90, that is about 2%
of the total number of students in the Technische Hogeschool. This number
is not expected to increase in the next years.
In the near future an average of 15 graduates will find employment each
year: about 8 with the Cadastral Survey in the Netherlands, 1 to 3 with
other geodetic and surveying organizations in the country and 3 to 5 with
organizations abroad. Of course these are estimates, and a change in economic
activity may produce different results.
Previous education of students
In order to be matriculated in the Technische Hogeschool, students must
have passed the B school-leaving examination (admission to science faculties)
of senior secondary or grammar schools (HBS or Gymnasium), or a
recognized equivalent. The course for geodetic engineers is not recommended
to those who are not strong in mathematics and physics. Students are mostly
18 or 19 years of age on matriculation and 24 to 25 years when graduating.
Under recent arrangements, students may also be admitted for matricula
tion without a general university entrance certificate, on condition of having
completed 4 years of technical education of an intermediary level at a
Hogere Technische School. They may sit for a somewhat reduced programme
in Pi and P2 examinations.
Course in Geodetic Engineering
Syllabus
First Year
Lectures Practice
hours afternoon
per week per week
Compulsory
Calculus I
Analytical geometry I
Physics
Physics (optics)
Introduction to landsurveying
Practical computations
Fair drawing
Cadastral administration
Introduction to the law
1/2
0/1
5/3 2/2 2)
3/4
1/1 ofi
1/1 0/1
1/1 0/1
I/I
2/1
5/3 means: 5 hours a week from the beginning of October till Christmas
and 3 hours a week from the beginning of january till the first of may.
2) 2/2 means: 2 afternoons exercises during the same periods.